The Goad Brothers

26.2 miles, 3 brothers, 1 cause

It takes a strong family bond to be willing to do some of the things the Goad brothers have done to support the MMRF and their brother Jeff. Jeff was diagnosed in May 2010, went through aggressive treatments, and then successfully ran the Chicago Marathon just one year later (10/7/11) to “show he has beaten Myeloma”. Jeff, Brad, & David all believe that, by participating in these events and asking their friends and loved ones to donate, it’s to support Jeff and the many others that “are literally racing for their lives”. 

But it’s not done without humor, David issued a challenge on Facebook that he would roller skate a mile for every $50 raised in a 2 week period….and he would do it wearing 1980’s roller skates, Spongebob boxers, and a red cape! Donations exceeded $500 and he did his 10-mile roller skating journey on Aug 31^st. When asked about what the curious public might think about his endeavor, David merely said, “I’m willing to do whatever it takes, whatever amount of humiliation I can," he said. "Nothing compares to what my brother is going through. I’ll do whatever it takes to inspire people to donate and bring attention to the research." And he is looking forward to crossing the finish line on Oct 7^th side by side with his brothers.

See the youtube video of the skating event here:

DAVID'S SKATING SPECTACULAR

 

 

Impossible to Forget

Barb Mecherle was a true friend to Ed Freza, and true friends, he says, are hard to come by, but “impossible to forget.” Barb died of multiple myeloma last year, and for every broken friend she left behind, she also left thousands of sweet memories. “We all remember her laugh, her sense of humor, her comical common sense, and her energy,” says Ed. “Although she is missed, countless special memories are held by those who were blessed to know her.” Ed runs for Barb and the friendship they shared, because such friendship is rare, beautiful and can never be forgotten.

The Shaffer Brothers Run for Mingy

John Shaffer and his brother Peter are running the Chicago Marathon for their Mom Mildred, who died in 2011 after a long but courageous struggle against multiple myeloma. Mildred, or “Mingy", was a remarkable person, and her two sons are honored to run in memory of someone who so deeply influenced both their lives. Each step of the race they take together will be made in loving memory of their mom.

Back For Another Great Experience!

Eric Davidoff remembers last year’s Chicago Marathon as “one of the most uplifting and incredible experiences of my life,” and this year he is back with the PowerTeam to run in memory of his grandmother. Melanie Davidoff lost her battle with multiple myeloma in 2009, and not a day has gone by since that David does not think of the incredible influence she has had on his life. Last year, Eric and his mom were amazed by the amount of love and support their friends and family showed as he prepared for the race; they raised more than $6,000! David is looking forward to another great experience this year as he trains, raises support and remembers a very special person who shaped his life. 

Running for a Fellow Runner

Katie Bystrom is running for her aunt, a myeloma patient and marathon enthusiast! Her aunt is currently participating in a multiple myeloma research study at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and hopefully, the care she receives will help her fight the disease and advance new treatments! Without the help of the MMRF, this kind of care may not have been an option for her aunt, and Katie is glad to support the research that made it possible. “Running this marathon seems particularly appropriate because [my aunt] enjoyed running marathons prior to her diagnosis,” says Katie. “She even qualified for the Boston Marathon once!”

Meet the Mooney Brothers!

Seven years ago, Owen Mooney was diagnosed with a cancer with a 5-year survival rate. The diagnosis changed not only his life, but also those of his three sons. After watching their dad go through years of chemotherapy and several difficult stem cell transplants, all three of them are running for him in the Chicago Marathon! The statistics for this disease are discouraging, but to this family, “statistics are just statistics.” The last several years have been far from easy for Owen, but the Mooneys are happy to report that he is currently in remission. “We pray that while he continues this maintenance chemo, more advances will be made to perhaps even cure this disease once and for all,” they said. The brothers are fighting multiple myeloma side by side with their dad, because theirs is a clan that sticks together! 

Jason and Marcy Run for Their Mom

Jason Stewart and his sister Marcy Wenderski are running in memory of their mom, Janet Goldermann, who passed away from multiple myeloma in 2007. Janet had just moved to Minnesota and had started a new job when she was diagnosed. For a time, treatment took up all of Janet’s focus and energy, but thanks to aggressive treatment and a stem cell transplant, Janet enjoyed a period when she was nearly cancer-free. During this time, she was able to help Marcy move into a new home and celebrate Jason’s wedding in 2006! Though Janet had to give up many activities she loved, such as fishing and observing wildlife, a smile never left her face as she fought the disease. Cancer may have taken Janet’s life, but it never conquered her spirit. “We wish our mother could be there to see us cross the finish line, but we know she will be with us in our hearts,” says Jason.